Connie Gaye Pharis

Connie's Story

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Our Connie Gaye Pharis, 69, Goshen, passed away at 6:25 a.m. Goshen Hospital May 24.
Connie was born March 17, 1948, in Portland, Oregon, to Ervin Powell and Leila (Surbaugh) Powell, (both deceased), whom she deeply loved and respected. She graduated from Columbia High School, White Salmon, Washington, and was still in contact with some of the friends she made there.
She married Barry W. Pharis, March 2, 1968 at Fort Bragg North Carolina. He survives with daughter, Toni Pharis, and four grandchildren, Ethan Pharis, Shawn Pharis, Logan Pharis and Gabriella Pharis, all of Goshen.
She deeply loved and was deeply loved in return by her late father and mother-in law, Ray and Dorothy (Cartwright) Pharis.
Connie is survived by loving and grieving siblings, Dennis and Barbara (Boots) Powell, Sequim, Washington, Ed and Becky Powell, Trout Lake, Washington; and by the Pharis side of the family, Ken Pharis, Dade City, Florida, Rick and Viki Pharis, Goshen, Theresa Eldridge, Elkhart, and Dave and Donna Misura, Elkhart.
Connie also leaves behind 23 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews and her long time best friend who supported her greatly and whom she loved dearly, Bonnie Rife.
Connie was one of the most kindhearted people, which served her well in her years working as an administrative assistant with the Goshen Housing Authority.
She was generous and always made sure everyone else was taken care of before her. She was quiet, a wonderful listener, very sweet and supportive without judgment.
Her favorite passions included being a loyal, loving and supportive wife in every way to her husband and loving mother and grandmother. She fiercely loved and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Connie will best be remembered by all as a woman who consistently lived her life joyfully through both the ups as well as through the sorrows in her life.
She was an incredible wife and better friend, mother and grandmother. It was a privilege for those left behind to have known and been loved by Connie. She will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen. Pastor Dustin Eby will officiate.
In lieu of flowers plants or cards, the family would appreciate donations to Columbia High School Scholarship Fund, Columbia High School, P.O. Box 974, White Salmon, WA 98672, or to a charity of the donor's choice. As Connie was a very giving person, your donations would please her very much.
Online condolences may be offered at www.rrefh.com.